The cobbles' residents may be in for a shock if TV bosses give the green light to the controversial storyline, which will see a character become a Muslim extremist. Show insiders reveal the idea came about to reflect what's happening around the globe.

“With all that is going on in the world now, this is a very relevant issue and it is only right that we should be seriously considering it," an insider told Britain's The Sun newspaper.

“Corrie always tries to replicate real life and we are never scared from tackling controversial storylines. That is what we are renowned for and we make sure we do it with complete sensitivity."

Coronation Street has never shied away from tough storylines, and is currently screening a domestic abuse plot between Leanne Battersby (played by Jane Danson) and her stepson Simon Barlow (Alex Bain).

If the terrorist story goes ahead, the TV source insists it will be dealt with delicately.

“We are aware of the level of responsibility we have to show whenever we do anything like this," the insider noted. “There have been some real debates about whether it is the right thing to do, but if we can find a sensitive way to handle it that works before the watershed, then we will start putting the wheels in motion.”

The street currently only has one Muslim family, the Nasirs, but bosses apparently don't think they're suitable for the story, so will be looking to cast new characters.

“We would have to cast the right characters," the source said. “It would be sure to cause controversy, but if we do it, we will make 100 per cent sure it is as realistic as possible. This is a real issue at the moment and one that we should not shy away from.”

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